49ers new cornerback has lots to say in radio interview

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Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after he tips the ball leading to an intereption by outside linebacker Malcolm Smith #53 to clinch the victory for the Seahawks against the San Francisco 49ers during the 2014 NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on January 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is tapped on the back by the Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman (25) as they leave the field after a 19-3 Seattle win at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

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San Francisco 49ers' Jeremy Kerley (17) runs with the ball after a catch against Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman (25) in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on as Richard Sherman #25 and D'Anthony Smith #94 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate a saftey during their game at Qwest Field on September 15, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman (25) knocks down a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers' Michael Crabtree (15) in the end zone in the fourth quarter of their NFC Championship NFL Game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash., on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014. Seattle Seahawks' Malcolm Smith would intercept the pass in the end zone. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 23-17. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

The Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman (25) intercepts a pass intended for Brandon Lloyd (84) in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara , Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. (Patrick Tehan/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scrambles against Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman (25) in the second quarter of the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash., on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman (25) eats turkey during a TV interview on the field after the San Francisco 49ers' lost 19-3 in their NFL game against Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara , Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. (Patrick Tehan/Bay Area News Group)

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SANTA CLARA — Richard Sherman has provided a smorgasbord of opinions and insights since joining the 49ers, and more came Tuesday.

In a radio interview on KNBR 680-AM’s “Murph and Mac” show, Sherman hit on these hot topics:

— Jersey number: He will continuing wearing No. 25 after bartering with fellow defensive back Jimmie Ward, who’s worn it since arriving as the 49ers’ 2014 top draft pick.

Jimmie Ward of Northern Illinois University, left, who was drafted by San Francisco 49ers, stands with head coach, Jim Harbaugh, during a press conference on May 9, 2014 at 49ers’ Santa Clara training facility. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

Sherman said: “We had a good conversation and he’s going to give me my number, which is cool and a testament to him. He’s a great guy. He told me the story on why he wore the number and it actually meant a lot to him. I appreciated him being willing to give me a chance at it.”

Ward is due $8.53 million in base salary this year on his fifth-year option, a large figure for someone whose battled injuries and switched positions (nickel back to outside cornerback to free safety) while starting just 24 games since 2014.

— Colin Kaepernick’s 2017 NFL absence: While Sherman called it “unfortunate” that former Colin Kaepernick did not join any other team after opting out of his 49ers contract last March, Sherman noted that Kaepernick’s collusion case against “is so difficult to prove” because teams can say the quarterback didn’t fit their scheme or ideal throwing motion.
San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is tapped on the back by the Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman (25) as they leave the field after a 19-3 Seattle win at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

“It was frustrating because he deserved a chance to play,” Sherman said. “It’s more frustrating watching some of these quarterbacks go out and play terribly. He’s been at a high level for a number of years, pretty much all of his career and he doesn’t get an opportunity. If he goes out there and doesn’t play well, then, sure, it’s justified, don’t let him back on the field. But you’ve got to at least give him a shot, especially with the level players were playing at.

“I’m sure he could have played for the Jets this year and done a much better job. Cleveland could have used him. Once (Deshaun) Watson went down, Houston definitely could have used him. Denver had everything, a challenging defense and great receivers, and if you throw a pretty good quarterback in the mix, who knows how that changes the dynamic.

“But to make a point, teams would rather just lose.”

— Dinner menu: Hours after being released Friday from the Seahawks, Sherman flew in from Las Vegas to have a recruitment dinner with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. They dined at Shanahan’s favorite spot, Nick’s Next Door, in Los Gatos. Sherman said he had the acclaimed meatloaf and Shanahan ordered the duck.

— Comeback timeline: Don’t expect to see Sherman on the field during the offseason program that runs April through June, although he’s holding out hope he could debut before the mandatory minicamp in mid-June.

After rupturing his right Achilles in November, Sherman had a procedure earlier this year to remove a bone spur from his left Achilles.

“I’m thinking more June. I was really close, before I had to get this bone spur removal, to running 100 percent of my body weight on the treadmill. I was at 90 percent,” Sherman said. “I slowed down once I got the bone spur remove. I’ve got to wait for this bone to do what it’s got to do and then progress.”

— Jimmy Garoppolo’s looks. Asked by KNBR host Paul McCaffrey about Jimmy Garoppolo being the NFL’s most handsome quarterback, Sherman replied: “Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it. If it helps us win games and helps the franchise sell tickets, I’m all for it. Because he’s playing at a high level. He’s winning the way he can win right now. He’s winning ballgames. He’s winning off the field. He’s winning with his looks. So we’ll take it. He’s a winner.”